Sterling Infosystems Completes Acquisition of AISS

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sterling Infosystems, Inc., a company owned by management and Calera Capital, a San Francisco based private equity firm, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Acxiom Information Security Services (AISS), a leading background screening company, from Acxiom Corporation (Nasdaq: ACXM).  This important milestone expands Sterling's already robust technology and service team with a new group of talented people, innovative products, and unique screening options.

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William Greenblatt, Founder and CEO of New York City based Sterling, said "The acquisition of AISS is a pivotal point in Sterling's history as it has well positioned us for future growth."

"Sterling is one of the largest background screening companies in the world and we are confident that our former clients will benefit from their commitment and complete focus on this type of service," said Acxiom CEO and President Scott Howe.

This acquisition is the latest in a string of high-profile purchases Sterling has made over the past four years, including:

• Bishops Investigative Services, the oldest privately held private investigation and corporate due diligence firm in the United States
• Abso Inc., a background screening firm based in California
• Screening International, which was comprised of American Backgrounds Inc. and Aperion Screening in the United Kingdom
• Tandem Select, a Colorado-based background screening firm that ranked on the Inc. 5000

About Sterling Infosystems:

Sterling Infosystems, Inc. (www.sterlinginfosystems.com), founded in 1975, is one of the largest background screening companies in the world with an international presence known for industry leading turn-around-time, customer service and expertise in customizing solutions for industry specific needs.  Most recently, Sterling became the only global background screening company in 2011's Inc. 5000.  Sterling offers a broad range of services, including student-screening services, corporate due diligence and background investigation services, occupational health services, and employment-related business tax consulting in the United States and in 200 countries and territories around the world.  With a decade as one of the fastest growing background screening companies, their 10,000+ clients range from leading Fortune 500 firms to small and medium sized businesses.

About Calera Capital

Founded in 1991, Calera Capital is a private investment firm that has managed approximately $2.8 billion of capital. With offices in San Francisco and Boston, Calera invests across a diverse range of industries including business services, financial services, food and consumer, healthcare, building products, and industrial manufacturing. Calera Capital makes substantial equity investments in operating companies, typically with enterprise values up to $1 billion, and seeks to build long-term sustainable value by working with management teams to implement strategic and operating initiatives.

About Acxiom

Acxiom is a recognized leader in marketing services and technology that enable marketers to successfully manage audiences, personalize consumer experiences and create profitable customer relationships. Our superior industry-focused, consultative approach combines consumer data and analytics, databases, data integration and consulting solutions for personalized, multichannel marketing strategies. Acxiom leverages over 40 years of experience in data management to deliver high-performance, highly secure, reliable information management services. Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, and serves clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America. For more information about Acxiom, visit Acxiom.com.

SOURCE Sterling Infosystems, Inc.